IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Ticket-window and telephone sales for events in the University
of Iowa Hancher Auditorium 2001-2002 season will begin on Monday, July 2.
Since the April announcement of the next Hancher season, tickets have been
available only by mail order.

So far, the only changes in the 2001-2002 season schedule have been in response
to strong ticket sales: the Feb. 2 performances of the Children's Theatre
Company has been moved from the Hancher Loft to become an event with full
main-floor seating; and the lower balcony has been opened for the Sept. 14-15
performance of "The Vagina Monologues."

The free "Connections" brochure that details the season's music,
theater and dance attractions is still available on request. The brochure
stresses the connections that are created by the arts -- connections between
the past and the future, connections with other people, connections with our
inner selves, and connections between the familiar and the foreign.

Among the top attractions of the season are vocal star (and distinguished
UI alumnus) Al Jarreau; the legendary Philadelphia Orchestra; the Houston
Ballet's new production of "The Firebird," choreographed by James
Kudelka; opera diva Frederica von Stade with the UI Symphony; the new music/theater/pageantry
sensation "Blast!"; Britain's ever-popular king'singers, the festive
Ballet Folklorico de Mexico; two musical treats from Cuba -- the Buena Vista
Social Club and a Halloween party with the Afro-Cuban All Stars; and the Broadway
hits "Cabaret," "Copenhagen" -- winner of the Tony Award
for Best Play in 2000 -- and Iowa's own evergreen, "The Music Man."

Hancher will also be the site of two 2001-2002 world premieres: an intriguing
collaboration between the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and the Chamber
Music Society of Lincoln Center; and "The Nueva Collection," a Kronos
Quartet program focusing on the popular music of Latin America.

Fulfilling the promise of connecting the familiar with the foreign, the Hancher
season includes not only artists familiar to Hancher audiences -- the Lincoln
Center Jazz Orchestra, the Children's Theatre Company, Anonymous 4, clarinetist
David Krakauer (this time with his Klezmer Madness! ensemble) and the Ying
Quartet -- but also first-time visitors -- Canada's daredevil O Vertigo Danse;
China's famed fighting monks, the Shaolin Warriors; the Suzuki Company in
a distinctly Japanese take on "Dionysus"; and the father-daughter
musical collaboration of Pamela and Claude Frank.

Advance ticket-buyers not only enjoy the best choice of seats, but also
can take advantage of volume discounts on most events in the season. A simultaneous
purchase of three to five events qualifies for a 15-percent discount, and
a simultaneous purchase of six or more events qualifies for a 20-percent discount.
Purchases made before the end of June can be paid through Hancher's installment
plan.

UI students, senior citizens and audience members 17 and younger also qualify
for special discounts to most events. UI students and senior citizens receive
a 20-percent discount on tickets to most events, with $10 Zone 2 and 3 tickets
available to UI students for most events. Youth tickets are typically half
price.

Hancher summer box office hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays. From the
local calling area, dial (319) 335-1160. Long distance is toll-free, 1-800-HANCHER.
Fax to (319) 353-2284. Orders may be charged to VISA, MasterCard or American
Express. UI students may charge their purchases to their university bills,
and UI faculty and staff may select the option of payroll deduction. People
with special needs for access, seating and auxiliary services should dial
(319) 335-1158. The line is equipped with TDD for people with hearing impairment
who use that technology.